NPC Refutes Speculation on 2025 Census Date
The National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria dismissed the claims circulating online that next year, 2025 has been confirmed as the date for the next population and housing census. While debunking the false claim, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra made some remarks that were taken out of context.
In an official statement by the acting director of public affairs, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, the National Population Commission emphasized that no exact date has been finalized for the census. The commission stated that only the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the authority to proclaim a census date.
“The chairman expressed optimism that President Tinubu would address the issue in the coming year, but no specific date was mentioned,” the statement clarified. The NPC remains committed to transparency as discussions with the presidency continue regarding a revised timeline following previous delays.
Nigeria has not conducted a national census for the past 18 years, with the last one taking place in 2006. The census was initially projected to take place last year, 2023 but was later postponed under the rule of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The census was postponed to allow the current President to come in which is hindering effective planning for resources and services.
While there is no confirmed date, some reports suggest the commission is advocating for a census soon. NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra has highlighted the commission’s readiness for a digital census, with substantial resources, such as digital maps and data collection tools, already in place.
He stressed the importance of updated data for policy-making, especially for addressing issues related to maternal health, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.
The delay has also raised concerns about Nigeria’s ability to meet international recommendations, such as the United Nations’ call for censuses every ten years.
Stakeholders, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have underscored the importance of timely and comprehensive data for achieving Sustainable Development Goals and addressing the needs of Nigeria’s diverse population.
As the nation awaits an official announcement, the NPC continues to prepare for a census that promises to deploy advanced technology to ensure accurate and reliable data. The commission is hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached to close this long-standing gap in demographic information.
